More than 20 firefighters and emergency personnel from Hamburg, NY, and surrounding departments gathered May 10 for an in-depth training session focused on rescuing accident victims from today’s increasingly complex vehicles.
The session, part of the National Auto Body Council (NABC) First Responder Emergency Education (F.R.E.E.) program, was hosted by Auto Collision & Glass, in partnership with USAA Insurance, the Hamburg Fire Department and Genesis Rescue Systems. The event featured classroom instruction and live extrication demonstrations to help responders safely navigate modern vehicle structures and advanced safety systems.
“With the evolution of vehicles—ranging from high-strength steel to advanced restraint systems and electric powertrains—it’s critical that our first responders are equipped with the latest rescue techniques,” the NABC said in the press release.
Modern vehicles are designed with numerous airbags, advanced onboard technologies and innovative construction materials, making extrication more challenging for rescue crews. These challenges are compounded by the rise in hybrid and electric vehicles, which require special safety precautions during emergencies.
The NABC F.R.E.E. program is designed to address these challenges by offering guidance on handling advanced vehicle technology, including high-voltage battery systems and structural reinforcements. Since its inception, the initiative has educated more than 6,000 first responders nationwide.
At the Hamburg event, USAA and Auto Collision & Glass provided late-model vehicles for hands-on practice, while Genesis Rescue Systems led the instructional segments.
The training not only enhances the readiness of local emergency services but also improves safety outcomes for motorists involved in serious accidents.
